Middle East

A bloody thread runs along the history of Iraq’s Christian community in the last 20 years. The Chaldean patriarch bemoans the lack of ‘guarantees" of "real security" and a “stable future". The wedding party tragedy in the Nineveh plain helps drive Christians away. The cardinal does not mince words about a Christian militia that attacks and divides Christians rather than protect them.

Added to concerns over the civilian victims of the conflict in the Strip are fears for regional economies. Oil prices and repercussions in the energy sector are being watched. A sharp drop in GDP is expected for the entire MENA region. World Bank: the impact on employment in an area where 300 million young people will be knocking on the door of the labour market by 2050.

Today's news: Ongoing ground battle in Gaza. Bangkok cancels visas for tourists from India and Taiwan; South Korean discount store recalls 53 thousand plastic slippers for toxic chemical substances; Two-year jail terms for four former student leaders at Hong Kong University; Nepal's mountains have lost a third of their glaciers in 30 years; On the Turkish side of Mount Ararat traces of seawater over 5,000 years old, possible evidence of the biblical universal flood; Naval'nyj and political prisoners on hunger strike yesterday on Prisoners of Conscience Day.

Izmir’s Etz Hayim synagogue was defaced with “Killer Israel” amid tensions sparked by the war in Gaza. As a result, the local Sephardic community cancelled various activities. Meanwhile, Turkish Recep Erdogan marked the centenary of the Republic, but official celebrations were low-key.

For Bernard Sabella, the failure of the peace process and the delegitimisation of the Palestinian Authority have left a "political vacuum”. The United States and the international community should work to avoid escalating “violence and vengefulness”. Iranian Foreign Minister and his Vatican counterpart talk on the phone. Card Pizzaballa consecrated the Holy Land to Mary.

Today's news: clashes and arrests at funeral of 17-year-old Iranian girl who died over hijab, another Mahsa Amini; Exports in textiles to Vietnam down, losses $41 billion; Israeli army raids continue in Gaza: in Dagestan a plane from Tel Aviv attacked; At least 13 killed and dozens injured in a train accident in Andhra Pradesh; Discontent among Hong Kong Muslims over the presence of a Chinese flag at official events atop the most important mosque; Tenth meeting between the leaders of Singapore and Malaysia, first since the Covid-19 pandemic; Russian satellite production "no longer competitive."

More than 5,000 people were present at the Mass that concluded the Synod on synodality. In his homily, Francis said: “we have experienced the loving presence of the Lord,” and “with farsightedness we look to the horizon opening up before us.” During the Angelus, he thanked all those who joined the Day of Fasting, Prayer and Penance last Friday: "Let us not stop," he insisted. As Fr Ibrahim Faltas said, “War is always a defeat.”

More than half of the 220 hostages held in Gaza are foreign nationals from 25 different nations. At least a quarter are workers: 54 Thais, five Nepalis, two Filipinos, one Chinese, and one Sri Lankan. Thailand sends a team of negotiators to secure the hostages’ release. Fearing the war, many migrants are leaving Israel.

The world looks to Gaza and sees bombs and deaths. Fr Youssef Asaad and the Holy Family parish post testimonies on social media about charity, solidarity and celebrations that unite Catholics and Orthodox. Muslim families are also supported. Patriarch Pizzaballa tells Gaza Christians that they are not alone. Today the pope will pray in St Peter's for peace. In Israel, support for an invasion of Gaza is collapsing.

For the Vicar of Anatolia, it is necessary to respond to the serious issues underlying the conflict, starting with a Palestinian state. The great powers ought to “step aside" in favour of a local process, which will be long, to bring peace to the region. Prayer and fasting can “extinguish the “mounting hatred.”

The cardinal is "worried" about the escalation in Gaza, and the danger that it might inflame the entire Middle East. Religion is used to fuel a “political conflict”. In Lebanon, Hezbollah’s leader met with two senior officials from Hamas and Islamic Jihad. In Gaza, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees has seen its capacity to meet needs outstripped by demand.

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem wrote a letter to this community during “one of the most difficult and painful periods in our recent times and history.” The air strikes and deaths in Gaza must be denounced as much as what happened on 7 October. This tragedy “must lead us all, religious, political, civil society, international community, to a more serious commitment” because “We owe it to the many victims.” Christians should not fail to look at Jesus at present for he is the one who, from the Cross, told us that peace is not “victory over others”.